Is it possible to become body fitting before engine installation??

[Usudno]

I don't see why not. My engine is going to be deliver in about 4 weeks. I have a little alluminum left to install, still missing my upper steering shaft so my dash isn't in. That's really the only hold up that I see stopping me. I wish I could start fighting the wiring but without the dash mounted it seems silly.

[Usudno]

To add to that post, I was planning on sending the body for the major prep, parting lines, gel coat sanding, and gas cap area but I'm starting to think I should keep the body and start fitting everything before I send it over... what are you guys opinions on when and how to accomplish the body work???

Fit doors, hood, trunk all first?? Headlights door latches and other misc things?? Should I mock them all up before sending the boys off?

[Gumball]

Here's a link to my bodywork thread on this site - may be helpful.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?7645-Chris-Bodywork-Thread-Mk3-1

[Jeff Kleiner]

Are you doing the body and paint? If not and you just want to drive in gel coat do the absolute minimum to get the body mounted and the doors, hood and trunk operating then leave the rest for the body guy. My preference is to get them untouched as delivered from FFR (less to fix that way...OOPS, did I just type that with my out loud voice?).

Jeff

[GoDadGo]

Are you doing the body and paint? If not and you just want to drive in gel coat do the absolute minimum to get the body mounted and the doors, hood and trunk operating then leave the rest for the body guy. My preference is to get them untouched as delivered from FFR (less to fix that way...OOPS, did I just type that with my out loud voice?).

Jeff

Having built fiberglass boats in a previous life I totally agree and get your OOPS comment.

My advice is to consider your skills before you mess up a body that will cost a pretty penny to replace.

Yes I'll be doing the fitting and body work; however, the painting will be done at my friends body shop.

[Usudno]

I don't plan on setting any gaps or anything. I was wondering about installing lights/bezels, trunk latches, those types of things. Should I tackle those?

[CraigS]

Heck yes. I think that unless you are taking the car to one of the known FFR body shops, you are a lot better off getting it all working yourself. If you have gotten all the doors, hood etc fitted and operating properly, then all the body shop needs to deal w/ are the part lines etc. This is somewhat normal fiberglass body work. For me, I can sand the edge of those parts, and I can spend a million hours adjusting all of the hinges and latches, so I can get all that stuff working. What I can't do is fix and fill the mold lines and make the top of the fenders smooth and w/o ripples.

[Usudno]

CraigS, that's what I was referring to. Getting all of the "loose" body parts as close as I can with the hinges as well as mounting anything onto the body that needs it. I just didn't know if mounting things like headlights, gas cap, license plate light, etc should be done before the body work or after the body work and before paint.

[GoDadGo]

Usudno,

I've had good luck with knocking off one project at a time.
Building the car in the order that is outlined in the book has been a huge help by keeping me focused on each task.
Also, I just sent you a P.M. a few minutes ago so check your inbox.

Steve

[CraigS]

CraigS, that's what I was referring to. Getting all of the "loose" body parts as close as I can with the hinges as well as mounting anything onto the body that needs it. I just didn't know if mounting things like headlights, gas cap, license plate light, etc should be done before the body work or after the body work and before paint.

Yes it is some extra work to install and then remove but I would do it all before paint. 2 advantages: 1- you may decide to drive it in gelcoat for a while depending on when you get it road worthy. look for threads where people did a quick smooth of the joint lines, hit them w/ rattle can paint 2- Knowing that everything already fits is a really nice feeling when installing things over brand new paint.

[Usudno]

CraiigS that's my feelings exactly!!! If something doesn't line up or looks off, I would rather know now and have it fixed!

[Norm B]

That's how I did it. No worrying about protecting the engine or interior from dust etc. You get to test fit things and make adjustments as necessary. I had the body off and on 3 times before paint. It is easy with a little help. The last time was with the engine installed to get the side pipe cutouts positioned correctly. Here is a picture with everything fitted up before doing any work with filler.

Norm